Built for what happens next
Most business programs teach subjects. Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) teaches how decisions get made.
Today's organizations generate more data than ever. The challenge isn't finding information. It's knowing what matters, what doesn't, and what to do next.
That's why accounting and finance have become more powerful than ever. They sit at the intersection of strategy, technology, risk and decision-making. That's exactly where AFM lives.
From day one, you'll learn how to use data, AI, and financial insight to solve complex problems, see what others miss, and shape decisions that move businesses forward. When the stakes are high, organizations need people they trust.
The ability to earn that trust starts here.
Faculty:
School of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management (BAFM)
Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Pro qualifications. AFM provides a direct route to Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations. Complete our Master of Accounting (MAcc) program to get advanced standing for your Chartered Business Valuators (CBV) designation.
Top-level accreditation. Our School of Accounting and Finance has received the highest level of national accreditation through CPA Canada, as well as accreditation through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, with the largest selection of jobs in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Your first work term will be in the winter term of your second year.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | - | - |
Admission requirements
Ontario students
Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 75% is required)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 75% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 75% is required)
Admission average: Mid-80s
Recommended courses
- Principles of Financial Accounting
- Mathematics of Data Management
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
You can apply either to Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) or to Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM), but not both.
Looking for a smaller community for your studies? Co-register at St. Jerome's University, one of Waterloo's on-campus University Colleges.
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please email Samantha Bedard, our Recruitment Coordinator, who can answer any questions you have.
You can also check out the School of Accounting and Finance on Instagram!